13 July 2023 07:30 pm
Opener Pathum Nissanka was recalled to Sri Lanka's Test team, ahead of the two-Test series against Pakistan, having missed the country’s last two red-ball assignments.
Also returning to the Test squad, named for the first Test that starts in Galle on Sunday, are Praveen Jayawickrama and Kasun Rajitha, while left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka and Lakshitha Manasinghe who have previously toured but are yet to be capped, also being included.
With captain Dimuth Karunaratne nursing a hamstring injury, and remaining uncertain for the first Test, Nissanka could be drafted into the team for the first Test, joining Nishan Madushka at the top of the order.
Madushanka, meanwhile, is one of three frontline fast bowling options available to Sri Lanka, being included in place of Asitha Fernando, who is recovering from dengue.
The left-arm fast bowler impressed during the South Africa ‘A’ tour of Sri Lanka, eventually earning a spot in contingent that travelled to Zimbabwe for the Cricket World Cup Qualifier.
Sri Lanka squad: Dimuth Karunaratne – Captain, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya De Silva – Vice Captain, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, Vishwa Fernando, Laksitha Manasinghe